Pre-Task Plan: Forestry Mulching

Date: [DATE] Work Area: [WORK AREA] Task Supervisor: [SUPERVISOR NAME]

1. Task Description

Using a forestry mulcher to clear vegetation and small trees in preparation for [SPECIFIC PROJECT GOAL].

2. Task Duration

Estimated Start: [START TIME] Estimated Completion: [END TIME]

3. Personnel Involved

• Excavator Operator
• Spotter/Ground Personnel

4. Task-Specific Hazards and Controls

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falling trees/limbs	Injury to personnel	Before starting, the faller must ensure that there is a clear path of retreat and sufficient space to work [1]. Workers who do not have duties associated with cutting and skidding are not permitted to enter the area where those operations are carried out while they are being carried out [2]. Clear away adjacent brush to provide sufficient room to work and to provide a path at a 45 angle from the direction opposite to the planned direction of fall to a safe position [3].
Equipment malfunction	Injury to operator or others	Conduct daily equipment checks and address any issues before operation. Ensure skidders, grapple skidders and crawlers used in the harvesting of trees meet the requirements of SAE Recommended Practice J1084 APR80 (R2002), Operator Protective Structure Performance Criteria for Certain Forestry Equipment [4].
Unstable ground conditions	Equipment rollover	Make sure the condition of the work site is stable and capable of supporting the machine weight during operation [5]. Position the crawler at right angle to shoulder and the travel motors to the rear of the machine, allowing for quick reversal, should the work area become unstable [5].
Flying debris	Eye or other injuries	Ensure all personnel wear appropriate PPE, including eye and face protection. Maintain a safe distance from operating equipment.
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries	Clear the work area of obstructions and maintain good housekeeping.
Partially cut trees	Injury to personnel	An employer must ensure that a partially cut tree is not left standing [4]. If a tree is partially cut, an employer or contractor shall ensure that the worker immediately completes the felling of the tree [6].

5. Required PPE for Today's Task

• Hard hat
• Safety glasses/face shield
• Hearing protection
• Steel-toe boots
• High-visibility vest

6. Tools and Equipment Needed

• Forestry mulcher
• Excavator
• Chainsaw
• Communication devices (radios)
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

7. Pre-Start Checklist

Area Preparation

• Clear work area of any obstructions.
• Identify and mark underground utilities.
• Establish exclusion zones.

Equipment Checks

• Inspect mulcher teeth for damage.
• Check fluid levels (fuel, oil, hydraulic).
• Verify all safety devices are functioning.

Communication

• Confirm radio communication with all team members.
• Review emergency procedures.

8. Task Steps Overview

1. Conduct site assessment.
2. Clear initial path for mulcher.
3. Begin mulching operations, maintaining safe distances.
4. Monitor equipment and surrounding area for hazards.
5. Communicate any issues or concerns immediately.

9. Emergency Response for This Task

• Equipment fire → Use fire extinguisher, evacuate area, call emergency services.
• Personal injury → Administer first aid, call for medical assistance.

10. Task-Specific Precautions

• Be aware of surroundings at all times.
• Do not approach operating equipment.
• Report any unsafe conditions immediately.

Pre-Task Briefing Confirmation

All workers understand the task, associated hazards, and required controls.

Team Lead Initials: [___] Date: [DATE] Time: [TIME]

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